Still-Life With Flowers And Oranges c. 1909

Alexej von Jawlensky made this painting of flowers and oranges with oil paint, and what strikes me first is the directness of the mark-making. It’s like he’s not trying to be coy or precious, just laying down these vivid colors with a kind of joyful abandon. Look at the impasto, especially in the flowers. The paint is thick, almost sculptural, creating a tactile surface that begs to be touched. You can practically feel the energy of his hand as he built up these layers of color, each stroke a deliberate act of creation. The oranges in the bowl are just daubs of yellow, yet they radiate warmth and ripeness. Jawlensky’s a kindred spirit, reminding us that painting is as much about the process as the final image, and that sometimes, the most profound statements are made with the simplest gestures. I’m thinking of Emil Nolde, another artist who wasn’t afraid to let his emotions explode onto the canvas. Both seem to say ‘here is what I feel’ without hesitation.